Vehicle Recall

Lateral crossmembers cracking

An NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation into Champion vehicles. Closed 1 December 2003.

Investigation
PE03046
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
14 October 2003
Closed
1 December 2003

What NHTSA investigated

This investigation was based on information provided by a bus fleet which was experiencing floor sagging due to the lateral crossmembers cracking on six of their buses.the cracking occured as a result of undersized gauge steel being used on the the floor frame crossmembers.cracks of this nature could compromise the structual integrity of the bus body in the event of a vehicle crash. Champion has agreed to initiate a safety recall campaign and reinforce the crossmembers and risers of the sub-floor.a copy of the recall is attached. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

The recall that followed

  1. Champion — Structure: Underbody Shields03V45800024 October 200361 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
ChampionCHALLENGER2000–2002
ChampionGENERAL2000–2002

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.